Frisco police responded to a report of shots fired at the home of Austin Metcalf’s father, Jeff Metcalf, in what officials now say was a swatting incident. No one was at the residence at the time of the call, though Metcalf arrived about five minutes later, according to CBS 19.
The incident comes in the wake of heightened tensions surrounding the death of Metcalf’s son. Austin Metcalf was fatally stabbed during a high school track meet in April. Another student, Karmelo Anthony, has been charged with the murder and reportedly admitted to police that he stabbed Metcalf.
The swatting occurred shortly after Jeff Metcalf attempted to attend a press conference hosted by Anthony’s family and their representatives on Thursday. Before the conference began, Metcalf was escorted out of the venue.
Austin Metcalf’s father, Jeff Metcalf, was swatted last night. Despicable. pic.twitter.com/DHYZ34AGTh
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 18, 2025
Dominique Alexander, a spokesperson for the Anthony family, made sharp remarks regarding Metcalf’s presence. “The father being at this press conference, these are my words, don’t quote anybody, is a disrespect to the dignity of his son,” Alexander stated. He continued, “He knows that it is inappropriate to be near this family. But he did it. Actions speak louder than words.”
Despite the interruption, the press conference continued after Metcalf’s removal. During the event, Karmelo Anthony’s mother expressed concerns about the impact the case has had on her family.
She said they have received threats, her husband’s mental health has worsened, and their daughter is now afraid to sleep in her own bed.
The swatting incident adds a troubling new layer to an already volatile and emotional case. “Swatting” refers to the act of falsely reporting a violent emergency to provoke a heavily armed law enforcement response. These incidents are not only dangerous but have resulted in serious injuries and even deaths in other cases across the country.
Karmelo Anthony was released from custody earlier this week on a $250,000 bond and is currently under house arrest. Meanwhile, a crowdfunding campaign supporting his legal defense has already raised close to $500,000 — a figure that has drawn both support and criticism online.
The case continues to stir deep divisions in the community, with emotions running high on both sides. The recent swatting incident underscores the volatile nature of the situation, and authorities are likely to investigate whether it was connected to the ongoing controversy surrounding the case.